The Ghost and the Phoenix

Part Six

Price looked up from behind his desk as the team, minus Mel and Jackson, entered his office.

'This won't take long gentlemen. I just have something I want to run past you.' he said as he rose from his chair to walk around the desk. 'In your own words, I want your honest opinion of Captain Carter and Lieutenant Jackson.'

Surprised looks passed between the men before Soap spoke up first.

'Nae disrespect to Captain Hunter, but they'd be the best I've worked with.' he shot Ghost a worried glance before looking back at Price. 'They're not leaving are they?'

Ignoring his question, Price looked at Gaz.

'I agree with Soap. Their operational experience is off the chain, not to mention how well they fit in with everyone.' Gaz answered, as Price's eyes slid over to Wade.

'Yeah, they're okay I guess.' Wade squirmed under Price's gaze.

Finally he looked at Ghost.

'Anything to add?'

'They've been a major asset to the team.' he replied, hoping he was reading Price correctly.

Price sighed as he leaned on the edge of his desk, arms crossed in front of his chest.

'I received word today that Captain Hunter has decided to retire due to his injuries. I have also been informed that Carter and Jackson's unit is being decommissioned. This leaves us without a pilot, and them without a unit.' he looked at the men. 'I want to offer them a permanent position here with the 141.'

'Aye that's great!' Soap all but shouted slapping Gaz on the shoulder, earning a stern look from Price.

'Have you made the offer?' Ghost asked.

'I have.' he said standing back up and moving back to the other side of the desk to sit down. 'They accepted providing you lot were on board.' he picked up a pen, returning to his paperwork. 'Now get your sorry asses back to work, so I can organise their transfer.'

Ghost hesitated to allow the others to leave before addressing Price.

'I think you've made a good choice Captain.'

Price smiled without looking up from his writing.

'Agreed.'

.......

141's base was situated a short distance from a small rural town. While he could get most things he needed on base, he liked to go there whenever he had the opportunity. It gave him a chance to take his motorbike out for a spin, and check out the local bookstore, two things he enjoyed greatly.

Entering the bookstore, he gave his cursory nod to the owner before stopping in his tracks. Standing in the Fiction section reading the back of a book, was Mel, a small tote bag hanging from her wrist,

Resting the book in the crook of her arm, Mel turned her back to him searching for another title. Ghost used this opportunity to sneak up behind her.

'Anything good?' he asked, leaning over her shoulder.

Mel spun around, bumping into his chest. A huge smile replaced the look of surprise on her face when she realised it was Ghost.

'Hi there!' she said brightly, looking up at him.

'Find something you like?' his tawny eyes locked onto her green ones. He was very aware at how close they stood, neither stepping back to increase the distance.

'Yes.' Mel whispered, holding his gaze for a few seconds before blinking quickly and looking down at the book in her arm.

Ghost reached out to take the book so he could read the title. River God by Wilbur Smith.